The choice to separate from the Vikings in his final NFL season was not about “wins or losses” for veteran wideout Adam Thielen.
In a message shared this week on social media, Thielen’s wife, Caitlin, explained why the brand new Steelers receiver and the Minnesota organization parted ways amid a rough 4-8 stretch, stressing the 35-year-old’s desire to be a contributing factor on the sector.
“It’s just been such a crazy few days,” Caitlin began in her video. “Thanks, guys, for all the type words and prayers and the whole lot. It’s been tough, it’s been really tough for Adam and just our family. It’s an enormous decision, and it’s not even about wins or losses, it’s about Adam wanting to compete, wanting to play and that is his last season.”
Thielen, whose Minnesota homecoming began in August via a trade with the Panthers, has tallied a mere eight receptions for 69 yards this yr, each profession lows.
The Vikings announced Monday they’d waived Thielen “to present him the chance to pursue more playing time elsewhere.”
“Last week, Adam’s representation approached the team and asked if we could be willing to release Adam, expressing his desire to play an even bigger role within the remaining weeks of what he has indicated will likely be his final NFL season,” Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a press release.
“Following discussions through the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we’ve got agreed to present him the chance to pursue more playing time elsewhere. Adam is one in all the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success.”
Thielen, who originally signed with the Vikings in 2013 as an undrafted free agent before blossoming right into a playmaker across 10 seasons, was a healthy scratch in Sunday’s 26-0 blowout loss to the Seahawks.
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The Steelers claimed Thielen off waivers Tuesday, giving quarterback Aaron Rodgers a brand new toy on offense for his forty second birthday because the team’s playoff hopes hang within the balance.
Caitlin, who shares three young kids with Thielen, wished her husband well in an Instagram sendoff because the family braces for change throughout the holidays.
“Not the best over the vacations but we all know God’s got a plan and we’re excited to look at Adam finish his profession competing and doing what he loves! We couldn’t be more proud & will all the time support him regardless of what. Praying for safety and a robust finish…let’s go Adam, let’s go Steelers!!!” she posted Tuesday.
The 6-6 Steelers will fight for AFC North supremacy on Sunday against the rival 6-6 Ravens.
